Wayne Rooney’s tenure as head coach of Plymouth Argyle has come to an end following a disappointing nine-match winless streak.
The Manchester United legend leaves the Pilgrims at the bottom of the Championship table, four points from safety. The club announced the decision on Monday, describing it as a mutual agreement between Rooney and the board.
Rooney, who previously managed Derby County and DC United, now faces another managerial setback, with his Plymouth appointment lasting only a few months since his arrival in the summer. Alongside Rooney, assistant coach Mike Phelan and first-team coach Stephen Ireland have also stepped down.
In a statement, Rooney expressed his gratitude and reflected on his brief spell at the club.
“I want to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, particularly Simon Hallett and Neil Dewsnip, for their support and strong relationships. My appreciation also goes to the staff, players, and fans for making me feel welcome and contributing to the special atmosphere at the club. I will always hold Plymouth Argyle close to my heart and will continue to follow their progress,” he said.
During Rooney’s time in charge, Plymouth managed just four wins in 23 matches, leading to increasing pressure and calls for change despite early optimism surrounding his appointment.
Club chairman Simon Hallett acknowledged Rooney’s dedication in a statement, saying, “Wayne Rooney joined us with great experience and ambition, and we hoped for a successful season. Sadly, the results didn’t reflect the hard work and commitment of Wayne and his team. We part ways amicably and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”
As fans expressed mixed emotions, appreciating Rooney’s efforts to introduce an attractive playing style despite the poor results, attention now turns to Plymouth’s search for a new manager. Meanwhile, Rooney faces uncertainty about his next step in what has been a challenging managerial career so far.
